Confederate flag flies over Tampa

"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” — Marcus Garvey

The historic day has arrived! A park memorializing Confederate veterans will officially open April 25 with the hoisting of the new “world’s largest flying” Confederate Battle Flag. The 40- by 70-foot banner will fly on a 139-foot flagpole at the junction of two major interstates in Tampa, Fla.

I had planned to attend, but due to circumstances beyond my control won't get the opportunity to witness this historic event. The Gen. Jubal A. Early Camp #556 Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Florida Division SCV have worked very hard to make this a world class and state of the art display of Southern Heritage for future generations to see and learn.

This is not an ordinary flag-raising - and I hope to post pictures of the event later this weekend. The pole for the flag is anchored by a 100,000-pound concrete base, and is the tallest the Federal Aviation Administration will allow in that spot. The 1,500-square-foot flag will be illuminated by spotlights at night, and will be visible from Interstates 4 and 75.

The project has been going through approvals for more than two years and will cost an estimated $80,000. The park that accompanies the flag will feature landscaping and parking as well as plaques detailing the state's historical contributions to the Confederacy.

What a great tribute to the sacrifices and service of Confederates - and what a great contribution the Sons of Confederate Veterans have made to tell the story of the priceless legacy of their ancestors.

It's ironic that the veterans group decided to build the park and hoist the flag only after the Hillsborough County Commission failed to acknowledge Confederate Memorial Day with a proclamation in April 2007. Now they will have this large banner waving over them to remind them of the heritage and history of the Southern soldier forever.

I will not be in Florida in person for this historic occasion, but I am there in spirit.

Don't forget that April is Confederate Heritage Month.

Who will scorn or frown to see veterans of the South’s shattered armies unfurl that other banner, the riddled and blood-stained stars and bars, to look upon it and weep over it, and press it to their bosoms? For it is hallowed with recollections tender as the soldiers last farewell. Then who will upbraid them if they sometimes bring it to light, sacrificed and glorified as it is by the blood and tears of the past and wave it proudly in the air? - Confederate Veteran, 1897

Arlington Cemetery: Where heroes rest

Confederate History Month Guest Post

Calvin E. Johnson, Jr. has graciously written a guest post about the Arlington Cemetery in honor of Confederate History Month. I found it a very interesting piece of Confederate history - and our nation's history. It reminds us of the courage and patriotism of all those who lie at Arlington - and of those who are still defending this great country today.

American heroes not forgotten at Arlington

Let me tell you a story about Arlington National Cemetery where this nation honored the men who fought for the Confederacy, the Union, and those men and women who fought our nation's wars since the War Between the States.

Did you know 245,000 service men and women, including their families, are buried at Arlington ?

The world famous Arlington National Cemetery is located in the shadow of the Custis-Lee Mansion (Arlington House) that was home to General Robert E. Lee and family until 1861 and the beginning of the War Between the States. This cemetery is on the Virginia side of the Potomac River across from the nation's capital.

In 1864, Union soldiers were first buried there and by the end of the war the number rose to 16,000. The Union burial site at Arlington National Cemetery is at section 13. Also buried in Arlington are: President John F. Kennedy, General Jonathan M. Wainwright and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Around the start of the 20th century this country also honored the men who fought for the Confederacy. The location of the men who fought for " Dixie " is section 16.

There is an inscription on the 32.5 foot high Confederate monument at Arlington National Cemetery that reads, "An Obedience To Duty As They Understood it; These Men Suffered All; Sacrificed All and Died!"

Some claim this Confederate Monument at Arlington may have been the first to honor black Confederates. Carved on this monument is the depiction of a black Confederate who is marching in step with the white soldiers. Also shown is a white Confederate who gives his child to a black woman for safe keeping.

In 1898, President William McKinley, a former Union soldier spoke in Atlanta and said, “In the spirit of Fraternity it was time for the North to share in the care of the graves of former Confederate soldiers."

In consequence to his speech, by Act of the United States Congress, a portion of Arlington National Cemetery was set aside for the burial of Confederate soldiers. At this time 267 Confederate remains from and near Washington were removed and re-interred at this new site.

In 1906, the United Daughters of the Confederacy asked permission from William Howard Taft to erect a monument. Taft was at the time serving as the United States Secretary of War and was in charge of National Cemeteries.

With his permission, the Arlington Confederate Memorial Association was formed and the United Daughters of the Confederacy were given authority to oversee work on the monument.

A contract was made with Sir Moses Jacob Ezekiel, a Jewish Confederate Veteran with a record of his service at the Battle of New Market while he was a Cadet at Virginia Military Institute. Work started at his workshop in Italy in 1910, and upon his death in 1917, the Great Sculptor was brought back home and buried near the base of the Arlington Confederate Monument.

On June 4, 1914, the Arlington monument was unveiled to a crowd of thousands that included former Confederate and Union soldiers. The Memorial Event was presided over by President Woodrow Wilson and the people applauded the stirring speeches given by: General Bennett H. Young - Commander In Chief of the United Confederate Veterans; General Washington Gardner - Commander In Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic and Colonel Robert E. Lee - grandson of General Lee.

The Confederate monument unveiling was concluded by a 21 gun salute. The monument was officially given to the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and was given back to the U.S. War Department for keeping. It was accepted by President Woodrow Wilson who said:

"I am not so happy as PROUD to participate in this capacity on such an occasion, Proud that I represent such a people."

Patriot's Day: Paul Revere's Ride

I'm diverting a little bit from my usual topic of the Civil War to take a look back at the a page from the history of the Revolutionary War. On the night of April 18th, and into the morning of Paul Revere and William Dawes rode to Concord, Massachusetts, in order to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams that British troops were coming to arrest them and seize their weapons. Revere was captured but Dawes and Samuel Prescott, who had joined them along the way, escaped and continued toward Concord. Dawes later fell from his horse, but Prescott, who knew the area well enough to navigate at night, made it to Concord in time to warn the Sons of Liberty.

Protests had been taking place since 1765 over increased taxation and other indignities, resulting most notably in the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773, when colonists boarded three ships in Boston Harbor and threw English tea overboard. The grievances against the imperial authorities were many, but they found their voice in one familiar phrase: "No taxation without representation."

In the early dawn of April 19th, Captain John Parker, commander of the militiamen at Lexington, ordered, "Don't fire unless fired upon, but if they want a war let it begin here." And it did -- American Minutemen fired the "shot heard round the world," as immortalized by Ralph Waldo Emerson, confronting the British on Lexington Green and at Concord's Old North Bridge.
A year later, American Patriots formalized their grievances in the Declaration of Independence, and some 3 percent of the colonists took up arms to battle the well equipped British regulars for almost eight years, until victory was won.

In 1787, our Patriot founders codified a Constitution of Government for their hard-won republic.

Don't forget to take time out during your weekend to remember the patriots who formed this country - and to remember that this is the 234th Anniversary of Paul Revere's Ride.

From the Patriot Post

Civil War love letter touches the heart

I have a real soft spot for old love letters, and this one is so beautiful, I thought I'd share it as pat of Confederate History Month. Harvey Black descended from the founding family of Blacksburg, Virginia, and served as a surgeon to the Army of Northern Virginia. In this letter to his wife Mary (whom he affectionately nicknamed Mollie) he recounts their courtship and expresses his great love for her.

This is one of the things I love most about the 19th century - the language and the art of letter writing. Hope you enjoy this missive as much as I do!

Brandy Station,
Sunday night, Nov. 1 [1863]

My dear Mollie,
I rcd a letter today from a very handsome lady to play cupid. Although not accompanied by her likeness yet her image was so indelibly impressed upon my mind that the likeness itself could not recall the features more vividly than they are impressed. I first met her in a village in Western Va when I was about 17 years old and she 8. I afterwards saw her frequently and occasionally was in her company, and nonwithstanding the disparity of our ages, I became so favorably impressed with her fair face and gentle manners that I frequently said to myself that I wished she was older or I younger.

In 3 to 4 years she had grown so much that the disparity in age seemed to grow less. Never did a lady witness the budding of a flower with more requisite pleasure than did I the budding of that pretty little girl into womanhood. She made much of my thoughts while in Mexico and more upon my return home. While at the University of Va., I not infrequently found my thoughts wandering from the dry textbook to contemplate by the aid of memory the features and form of this little girl.

After I completed my studies, I traveled in the west and expected to find a home in some western state, but not finding a place to suit me, together with the persuasions of that fair face, induced me to return.

I entered, as you know, actively into the pursuit of my profession with the determination to make at least a fair reputation and tried to withdraw my thought from everything else, but I found this little fairy constantly and pleasantly intruding into all my plans, whether of pleasure or interest. At this period she met me politely and respectfully but seemed to grow more distant, coy & reserved, so that I frequently thought that even the ordinary attentions of common politeness & courtesy were no special source of pleasure to her.

In a few instances when she has arrived at about the age of 15 this shyness and reserve seemed to be forgotten, and I would pass an hour or two in the enjoyment of her company with great pleasure to myself and I imagined with at least satisfaction, if not enjoyment, to her. I began to think that my happiness was identified with hers. I began to pay her special visits or at least seek opportunities by which I might be in her company. I sought her society on pleasure rides and thought it not a hardship to ride 65 miles in 24 hours if part of the time might be spent with her. She always exhibited or observed the decorum of modest reserve which might be construed into neither encouragement nor discouragement.

After the deliberation & reflection which I thought due to a matter which involved my happiness for life, I felt that her destiny and mine were probably intended to be united, and that all the adverse counsel which I could give myself could bring no objections. I felt that I ought both as a matter of duty and happiness give my whole life to her, who for 9 years had my attention and devotion, though concealed love.

After a few little billets and interviews, and with a full declaration of the love I desired to bestow, I received a measured and loving response and was made most happy in the anticipation of the celebration of the nuptials fixed at some 6 months hence. This time glided nicely & happily, though not too rapidly, away from me. The hours of leisure were spent with her and my visits were always welcomed with that cordial welcome, that maiden modesty, so much to be admired. Tis true that on one occasion she did rest her elbow upon my knee and look with confidential pleasure in my face and made me realize that indeed I had her whole heart.

Suffice it to say, the happy day of our marriage arrived and since then, hours, days, and years of time, confidence & happiness passed rapidly away, and only to make us feel that happy as were the hours of youthful days, they compare not with those of later years and perhaps even these may not be equal to that which is in reserve for us.

I don't know how much pleasure it affords you to go over these days of the past, but to me they will ever be remembered as days of felicity. And how happy the thought that years increase the affection & esteem we have for each other to love & be loved. May it ever be so, and may I ever be a husband worthy of your warmest affections. May I make you happy and in so doing be made happy in return. A sweet kiss and embrace to your greeting.

But maybe you will say it looks ridiculous to see a man getting grayhaired to be writing love letters, so I will use the remnant of my paper otherwise...


Yours affectionately H Black

Birthday of the American Civil War

“I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication, demanding the evacuation of this fort, and to say, in reply thereto, that it is a demand with which I regret that my sense of honor and my obligations to my Government prevent my compliance.” - Major Robert Anderson

So continued the chain of events that led to the firing on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, and the beginning of the American Civil War. For this post, I went back to some of the firsthand accounts I loved to read when doing research for my historical fiction novel, Shades of Gray. I don't think we can really imagine the terror that the firing of the fort wrought, but you can see from Mary's experience on the rooftop that night, it almost caused her to go up in smoke!

Here is Mary Chesnut's entry in her diary for April, 12, 1861. Note that the negotiator sent to Fort Sumter was her husband:

April 12:

Anderson will not capitulate.

Yesterday's was the merriest, maddest dinner we have had yet. Men were audaciously wise and witty. We had an unspoken foreboding that it was to be our last pleasant meeting.

Our peace negotiator, or envoy, came in - that is, Mr. Chesnut returned. His interview with Colonel Anderson had been deeply interesting, but Mr. Chesnut was not inclined to be communicative. He wanted his dinner. He felt for Anderson and had telegraphed to President Davis for instructions - what answer to give Anderson, etc. He has now gone back to Fort Sumter with additional instructions. When they were about to leave the wharf A. H. Boykin sprang into the boat in great excitement. He thought himself ill-used, with a likelihood of fighting and he to be left behind!

I do not pretend to go to sleep. How can I? If Anderson does not accept terms at four, the orders are, he shall be fired upon. I count four, St. Michael's bells chime out and I begin to hope. At half-past four the heavy booming of a cannon. I sprang out of bed, and on my knees prostrate I prayed as I never prayed before.

There was a sound of stir all over the house, pattering of feet in the corridors. All seemed hurrying one way. I put on my double-gown and a shawl and went, too. It was to the housetop. The shells were bursting. In the dark I heard a man say, "Waste of ammunition." I knew my husband was rowing about in a boat somewhere in that dark bay, and that the shells were roofing it over, bursting toward the fort. If Anderson was obstinate, Colonel Chesnut was to order the fort on one side to open fire. Certainly fire had begun. The regular roar of the cannon, there it was. And who could tell what each volley accomplished of death and destruction?

The women were wild there on the housetop. Prayers came from the women and imprecations from the men. And then a shell would light up the scene. To-night they say the forces are to attempt to land. We watched up there, and everybody wondered that Fort Sumter did not fire a shot.

Last night, or this morning truly, up on the housetop I was so weak and weary I sat down on something that looked like a black stool. "Get up, you foolish woman. Your dress is on fire," cried a man. And he put me out. I was on a chimney and the sparks had caught my clothes. Susan Preston and Mr. Venable then came up. But my fire had been extinguished before it burst out into a regular blaze.

Do you know, after all that noise and our tears and prayers, nobody has been hurt; sound and fury signifying nothing - a delusion and a snare.

This next entry has little to do with the opening salvos of the war, but I include it because it shows that even women of the 1860s could be somewhat malicious when talking about other women.

Louisa Hamilton came here now. This is a sort of news center. Jack Hamilton, her handsome young husband, has all the credit of a famous battery, which is made of railroad iron. During her first marriage, she had no children; hence the value of this lately achieved baby. To divert Louisa from the glories of "the Battery," of which she raves, we asked if the baby could talk yet. "No, not exactly, but he imitates the big gun when he hears that. He claps his hands and cries 'Boom, boom.'" Her mind is distinctly occupied by three things: Lieutenant Hamilton, whom she calls "Randolph," the baby, and the big gun, and it refuses to hold more."

I do not wonder at Louisa Hamilton's baby; we hear nothing, can listen to nothing; boom, boom goes the cannon all the time. The nervous strain is awful, alone in this darkened room. "Richmond and Washington ablaze," say the papers - blazing with excitement. Why not? To us these last days' events seem frightfully great. We were all women on that iron balcony. Men are only seen at a distance now. Stark Means, marching under the piazza at the head of his regiment, held his cap in his hand all the time he was in sight. Mrs. Means was leaning over and looking with tearful eyes, when an unknown creature asked, "Why did he take his hat off?" Mrs. Means stood straight up and said: "He did that in honor of his mother; he saw me." She is a proud mother, and at the same time most unhappy. Her lovely daughter Emma is dying in there, before her eyes, of consumption. At that moment I am sure Mrs. Means had a spasm of the heart; at least, she looked as I feel sometimes. She took my arm and we came in.

Clearing up a common Confederate myth

In an interview concerning Confederate Heritage Month, I saw a Georgia state representative quoted as saying that Southern heritage shouldn't be honored because the Confederates "fought to overthrow" the United States government.

Again, I will turn to the Confederate Catechism by Lyon Gardiner Tyler, as it answers the question: Did the South fight for the overthrow of the United States Government?

No, the South fought to establish its own government. Secession did not destroy the Union, but merely reduced its territorial extent.

The United States existed when there were only thirteen States, and it would have existed when there were twenty States left. The charge brought by Lincoln that the aim of the Southerners was to overthrow the government was no more true than if King George III had said that the secession of the American colonies from Great Britain had in view the destruction of the British government.

The government of Great Britain was not destroyed by the success of the American States in 1783. Nor would the government of the United States have been destroyed if the Southern States had succeeded in repelling the attacks of the North in 1861-1865.

Remembering Mosby and his Rangers

Confederate History Month

Anyone who knows anything about Confederate Colonel John S. Mosby, knows that the main character in my historical fiction novel Shades of Gray, resembles him in character. So for today's post I thought I'd take a few excerpts from my favorite book about Mosby, written by one of his young raiders, John Munson (Reminiscences of a Mosby Guerrilla).

After explaining how Mosby's Rangers came about and how they operated, Munson says: It is perhaps justifiable and reasonable at this juncture to state that Mosby's Guerrillas were not highwaymen, bushwackers or ruffians, and that they did not war upon any element other than that commonly recognized as the enemy.

A very large percentage of them were well-bred, refined gentlemen and some of them had traveled widely; they regarded Mosby's Command as the proper channel through which to express their feelings on a subject that made action of some sort necessary. These were men of firm convictions, for which they were anxious to fight and willing to make sacrifices.

Munson went on to point out that Dr. A Montiero, who was surgeon of Mosby's Command during the last few months of the war, says in his published memoirs: 'I am enabled to say, after three years of active field service in the regular army, that I have never witnessed more true courage and chivalry, or a higher sense of honor, blended with less vice, selfishness and meanness, then I found during my official intercourse with the Partizan Rangers.'

Munson continues: Mosby made his reports to Generals Lee and Stuart and worked in harmony with them. The particular mission of the Partizan Rangers was to keep the Confederate Generals informed of the enemy's movements while "worrying and harassing" the Federal forces as much as possible.

Every man in Mosby's Command understood that he was expected to follow his Commander without question, and the result was a blind unwavering faith in their leader. Mosby never asked a trooper under him to go where he would not go himself. This example spread itself and made its influence felt throughout the entire Command, and I recall an occasion where Lieutenant Ben Palmer, of Richmond, Va., who was only a boy, during a fight, ordered one of the men, Bob Jarman, to get down and open a gate so we might dash through it at the enemy. The man was shot down as he touched the gate. A second man, Ben Iden, was ordered to open it, and he also suffered a similar fate. Then it was time to show, by example, what it meant to command and to obey, and Lieutenant Palmer jumped down and opened the gate and, remounting his little grey thoroughbred, led the charge to a brilliant victory.

In after years Munson said he commented to the Colonel on the Command's invariable willingness to go where he directed, without being in any way informed of the work to be done, or the purpose or the reason for it.

'Munson,' he replied, 'only three men in the Confederate army knew what I was doing or intended to do; they were Lee and Stuart and myself; so don't feel lonesome about it.'

Stonewall's wife recounts final moments

Confederate History Month
Part II of Stonewall Jackson's life and death

Much has been written about the military prowess and friendly-fire wounding of General Stonewall Jackson, but as a historical fiction author, I like to look at the more human side of the War Between the States. Here is the account of his last days, as told by his wife in her book The Life and Letters of Stonewall Jackson.

On Sunday morning, May 3rd, Mrs. Jackson was informed that her husband had been wounded - severely, but it was hoped not dangerously.

"This painful shock can be better imagined than described. Although I had never for one moment since the war began lost my solicitude for his safety, still God had so often covered his head in the day of battle, had brought him through so many dangers, that I felt that his precious life would still be spared. With all my agonizing distress now, I could not entertain any thought or belief than this."

Of course, Mrs. Jackson wanted to go to him immediately, but was told the way was not clear. Raiding parties of the enemy were still operating all through the area, and all passenger trains were stopped. She was eventually told of the amputation of his arm, and that he was thought to be doing well. "Everything was said and done to cheer and encourage me, but oh the harrowing agony of that long waiting, day after day, for it was not until Thursday morning that the blockade was broken."

When Mrs. Jackson did finally arrive, she was asked to wait outside while the doctor finished dressing her husband's wounds. As she was pacing impatiently, she was horrified to watch a soldier's body being exhumed, and even more appalled to learn that it was a friend of her husbands who was being taken home for burial.

"This ghastly spectacle was a most unfitting preparation for my entrance into the presence of my stricken husband; but when I was soon afterwards summoned to his chamber, the sight which there met my eyes was far more appalling, and sent such a thrill of agony and heart-sinking through me as I had never known before! Oh, the fearful changes since last I had seen him! It required the strongest effort of which I was capable to maintain my self control. When he left me on the morning of the 29th, going forth so cheerfully and bravely to the call of duty, he was in the full flush of vigorous manhood, and during that last, blessed visit, I never saw him look so handsome, so happy and so noble."

Mrs. Jackson says in her book that due to the morphine, he had to be aroused to speak to her, and soon seemed to lose consciousness again.

"From the time I reached him he was too ill to notice or talk much, and he lay most of the time in a semi-conscious state. Whenever he awakened from his stupor, he always had some endearing words to say to me, such as, 'My darling, you are very much loved.' 'You are one of the most precious little wives in the world.' He was invariably patient, never uttering a murmur or complaint. Sometimes, in slight delirium, he talked, and his mind was then generally upon his military duties."

By Sunday, they knew that his time was short, and Mrs. Jackson asked to go in and tell him that he was not going to live.

"When I told him the doctors thought he would soon be in heaven, he did not seem to comprehend it, and showed no surprise or concern. But upon repeating it, and asking him if he was willing for God to do with him according to His own will, he said, "Yes, I prefer it, I prefer it."

A friend then brought their little daughter Julia into the room, and Mrs. Jackson recounts that, "although he had almost ceased to notice anything, as soon as they entered the door he looked up, his countenance brightened with delight, and he never smiled more sweetly as he exclaimed, 'Little darling! Sweet one!'"

I will let Mrs. Jackson finish the story in her own words.

"Tears were shed over that dying bed by strong men who were unused to weep, and it was touching to see the genuine grief of his servant, Jim, who nursed him faithfully to the end. He now sank rapidly into unconsciousness, murmuring disconnected words occasionally, but all at once he spoke out very cheerfully and distinctly the beautiful sentence which has become immortal as his last:

'Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of trees.'"

Wife remembers her Confederate hero

No remembrance of Confederate history could be complete without something about General "Stonewall" Jackson. Since his military prowess is already well documented, and since, as an historical fiction author I prefer to show the human side of the War Between the States, I thought I'd take a look back through the eyes of his wife from her writings in Life and Letters of Stonewall Jackson.

The chapters on Jackson meeting his daughter Julia for the first time when she was five months old are very telling as to what kind of man he was. On April 20, 1863, his wife writes: "When he entered the coach to receive us, his rubber overcoat was dripping from the rain which was falling, but his face was all sunshine and gladness; and, after greeting his wife, it was a picture, indeed, to see his look of perfect delight and admiration as his eyes fell upon that baby! She beamed her brightest and sweetest smiles upon him in return, so it seemed to be a mutual fascination.

"Upon our arrival at the house, he speedily divested himself of his overcoat, and, taking his baby in his arms, he caressed her with the tenderest affection, and held her long and lovingly. During the whole of this short visit, when he was with us, he rarely had her out of his arms, walking her, and amusing her in every way that he could think of - sometimes holding her up before a mirror and saying, admiringly, 'Now, Miss Jackson, look at yourself!'"

The baby was then baptized on April 23rd, 1863, but it was the next week that Mary Anna Jackson recalls more vividly. I chose this passage both for its intimate look at Jackson, and for its description of the significance of religion in the camp.

"The next Sabbath was a most memorable one to me, being the last upon which I was privileged to attend divine service with my husband on earth, and to worship in camp with such a company of soldiers as I had never seen together in a religious congregation. My husband took me in an ambulance to his headquarters, where the services were held, and on the way were seen streams of officers and soldiers, some riding, some walking, all wending their way to the place of worship.

Arrived there, we found Mr. Lacy in a tent, in which we were seated, together with General Lee and other distinguished officers. I remember how reverent and impressive was General Lee's bearing, and how handsome he looked, with his splendid figure and faultless military attire.

In front of the tent, under the canopy of heaven, were spread out in dense masses the soldiers, sitting upon benches or standing. The preaching was earnest and edifying, the singing one grand volume of song, and the attention and good behavior of the assembly remarkable.

That Sabbath afternoon my husband spent entirely with me, and his conversation was more spiritual that I had ever observed before. He seemed to be giving utterance to those religious meditations in which he so much delighted. He never appeared to be in better health than at this time, and I never saw him look so handsome and noble."

Jackson, of course, was wounded by friendly fire on May 2, just a little over a week later. I will write about Mary Anna's memories of that history-making event tomorrow.

Today in Confederate history: Shiloh

As part of Confederate History Month, I have been trying to find unique perspectives of historical events. As most history buffs know, the Battle of Shiloh took place in April so today I will focus on that and the mortal wounding of Confederate General Albert Sydney Johnson. I remember reading about Johnston's death while researching my historical fiction novel, Shades of Gray, but I was still amazed by the events that unfolded that day - April 6, 1862.

On April 3, General Johnston's forces were at Corinth, as Union Major General Buell was making a forced march to join up with the troops of General U.S. Grant. Johnston decided to give battle before they could unite, so his army was drawn up and the following battle order was read to each command:

"Soldiers of the Army of Mississippi: I have put you in motion to offer battle to the invaders of your country. With the resolution and discipline and valor becoming men fighting, as you are, for all worth living or dying for, you can but march to a decisive victory, over the agrarian mercenaries sent to subjugate you and to despoil you of your liberties, your property, and your honor. Remember the precious task involved; remember the dependence of your mothers, your wives, your sisters, and your children, on the result; remember the fair, broad, abounding land, and the happy homes that would be desolated by your defeat."

In an issue of the Confederate Veteran, Dr. J.W. McMurray of the 20th Tennessee, recalled, "Many men of rank have told this writer that they never saw Gen. Johnston's equal in battle in this respect. He sat his beautiful thoroughbred bay, 'Fire-eater' with easy command - like a statue of victory. His voice was persuasive, encouraging and compelling. It was inviting men to death, but they obeyed it. But, most of all, it was the light in his gray eyes, and his splendid presence, full of the joy of combat, that wrought upon them."

According to McMurry, Johnston's words were few. To Gen. Randal L. Gibson, Johnson said, "I hope you will get through safely today, but we must win a victory." To Col. John S. Marmaduke, he said, "My son, we must this day conquer or perish." To an Arkansas Regiment, he said, "Today you will wield a nobler weapon than the Bowie knife - the bayonet. Employ it well. Men! They are stubborn; we must use the bayonet."

Much has been written about the bloody Battle of Shiloh, which was a slaughter on both sides. Corpses littered areas of the battlefield to the extent that, as General Grant described, "it would have been possible to walk across the clearing in any direction stepping on dead bodies without a foot touching the ground."

One Union officer described the scene as the Confederates followed their leader for a final charge: "On they came with a quick step in gallant style, without firing a gun, the Stars and Bars flaunting jauntily in the breeze... as bold and defiant a battle flag as one could wish to meet in battle's stern array. It seemed almost barbarous to fire on brave men pressing forward so heroically into the mouth of Hell."

General Johnston passed through the murderous fire seemingly unhurt, though his horse was shot in four places, his clothes were pierced by missiles, and his boot sole was cut and torn by a minie ball.

However, unknown to him and those around him, a minie ball had struck just behind the knee near where he had been wounded earlier in his life from a duel. The earlier injury had caused damage to nerves so that he no longer had feeling in his leg at all times. It wasn't until he began reeling in the saddle that his men noticed his boot was full of blood, the ball having nicked an artery. While his men hovered over him, Johnston died, though a simple tourniquet likely would have saved his life.

In Confederate Veteran, McMurray writes: "As Gen. Johnston, on horseback, sat there, knowing that he had crushed the arch which had so long resisted the pressure of his forces, and waiting until they should collect sufficiently to give the final strike, he received a mortal wound. It smote him at the very instant when he felt the full assurance that the day was won; that his own conduct and wisdom were justified by results and that he held in his hand the fortunes of war and the success of the Confederate cause."

A Confederate view of the Civil War

In honor of Confederate Heritage Month, I thought I'd print part of a publication called "A Confederate Catechism" by Lyon Gardiner Tyler. (Third edition, Nov. 21, 1929).

A Confederate Catechism

What was the cause of secession in 1861?
It was the fact that the Union consisted from the first of two jarring nations having different interests, which were brought to the breaking point in 1861 by the intemperate agitation in the North against everything Southern.

The breaking point was nearly reached in 1785 when the North sought to stop the development of the South by giving the Mississippi River to Spain, in 1801 when it attempted the immoral act of turning the presidential ticket upside down ad making Aaron Burr President, and in 1833 when it imposed upon the South a high protective tariff for the benefit of Northern manufacturers.

The breaking point was finally reached in 1861, when after unmitigated abuse of the South, a strictly Northern president was elected by strictly Northern votes upon a platform which repudiated the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States authorizing Southerners to carry their slaves into the territories.

This decision gave no material advantage to slavery, as none of the remaining territorial domain was in any way fit for agriculture, but the Southerners resented the attitude of Lincoln and his party as a challenge to their constitutional rights and as a determination on the part of the North to govern the Union thereafter by virtue of a more numerical majority.

The literature of those times shows that such mutual and mortal hatred existed as, in the language of Jefferson, “to render separation preferable to eternal discord.” The choice was between remaining in such a Union of hate, or seceding. There was no real peace, and the South seceded because it wanted peace and not strife or war.

A quote for Confederate History Month

"Any society which suppresses the heritage of its conquered minorities, prevents their history or denies them their symbols, has sown the seeds of their own destruction."

- Sir William Wallace, 1281 AD

Time to call off 'Dixie?' No!

In honor of Confederate Heritage Month, I found this reply to an editorial that appeared in a Chicago society periodical, calling for bands to stop playing "Dixie." The response to that editorial appeared in Confederate Veteran (1897), and here is part of "A Southern Woman's Answer:"

True merit rarely goes without recognition. We, as Southern people, glory in the "tendency to keep alive the sentiment of the lost cause."

Why not? Have we anything of which to be ashamed? True, defeat was ours, but it was brought about not through any lack of bravery, gallantry, or patriotism for what we believe to be right because of its being guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States.

The record of Confederate soldiers is without a parallel in history, and, as time goes on, instead of being classed as traitors, their many gallant deeds and loyal hearts will be appreciated for their true worth, and their names go down in history as heroes true to every trust.

"Time to call off 'Dixie?'" No!

Southern matrons asked to guard history

In honor of Confederate Heritage Month, here is the continued post from April 1.

It is for you, Southern matrons, to guard your cherished ones against this foul idolatry, and to teach them a nobler and a higher moral. It is for you to bring the youth of our land to these consecrated mounds and to engrave in their candid souls the true story of our wrongs, our motives and our deeds.

Tell them in tender and eloquent words that those who lie here entombed were neither traitors nor rebels, and that those absurd epithets are but the ravings of malignant folly when applied to men who claimed nothing but their right under the Constitution of their fathers — the right of self-government.

Tell them how we exhausted every honorable means to avoid the terrible arbitrament of war, asking only to be let alone, and tendering alliance, friendship, free navigation – everything reasonable and magnanimous – to obtain an amicable settlement.

Tell them how, when driven to draw the sword, we fought the mercenaries of all the world until, overpowered by tenfold numbers, we fell; but, like Leonidas and his Spartans of old, fell so heroically that our defeat was more glorious than victory...

Next to their duty to God, teach your offspring to love their native Southern land all the more tenderly for its calamities, and to cherish the memories of their fathers all the more preciously because they battled for the right and went down in the unequal strife...

Part of the address entitled, "His Words Live After Him," by General R.E. Colston to the Virginia Ladies' Memorial Association, Confederate Veteran (March, 1897).

Confederate Heritage Month

In seeking ways I could help promote Confederate Heritage Month and bring attention to the month of the year when the War Between the States both ended and began, I did what I always do as a historical fiction author - I turned to the voices of the past. After all, who can tell their story better than the actual participants in those events?

So on this, the first day of April, 2009, I would like to reprint part of an address by General R.E. Colston to the Virginia Ladies’ Memorial Association, which I found in the Confederate Veteran (March, 1897).

His Words Live After Him

Those who fall in the arms of victory and success need no monuments to preserve their memories. The continued existence and prosperity of their country are sufficient epitaphs, and their names can never be forgotten.

But how shall those be remembered who failed? It is their enemies who write their history, painting it with their own colors, distorting it with their calumnies, their prejudices, and their passions; and it is this one-sided version of the conquerors that the world at large accepts as truth, for in history as in the present, vae victis (woe to the conquered).

It is true that when we, the actors in the last contest, shall be sleeping in our graves, little will it matter to us what the world may think of us or our motives. But methinks that we could hardly rest in peace, even in the tomb, should our descendants misjudge or condemn us. And yet, is there impossibility of this? They will be told that their fathers were oligarchs, aristocrats, slave-drivers, rebels, traitors, who, to perpetuate the monstrous sin of human slavery, tried to throttle out the life of the nation and to rend asunder the government founded by Washington; that they raised parricidal hands against the sacred ark of the Constitution; that they were the unprovoked aggressors, and struck the first sacrilegious blow against the Union and the flag of their country.

What if this be but false cant and calumny? Constant repetition will give it something of the authority of truth. We cannot doubt it. Our descendants will see these slanders repeated in Northern and probably in European publications; perhaps even in the very text-books of their schools …

Fellow Southerners, whose teachings and influence can accomplish more than all other agencies combined to hurl back this foul slander in the teeth of that reverend liar? Who can best guard our posterity from the corrupting odium of falsehood? Who can so implant the right and justice of our lost cause into their souls as to prevail over all the calumnies of our detractors?

Your hearts reply like mine: “It is the noble, patriotic, unwavering women of the South.”

To be continued ...